Nov. 28, 2005
ATLANTA–Five Georgia Tech football players were named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team, led by unanimous first-team selection Calvin Johnson.
Linebacker Gerris Wilkinson, safety Dawan Landry, defensive end Eric Henderson and running back P.J. Daniels were named to the second team. Senior tackle Brad Honeycutt earned honorable mention recognition.
Johnson, Tech’s sensational sophomore wide receiver, was one of two unanimous first-team selections, along with Wake Forest running back Chris Barclay.
Johnson leads Tech with 52 catches for 869 yards and six touchdowns, despite facing constant double teams. He has been called the best receiver in the nation by several analysts, including ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso and Bob Davie.
Tech’s defense did not have one player recognized on the All-ACC first team despite ranking in the Top 15 nationally in total defense (12th), rushing defense (12th), pass efficiency defense (14th), interceptions (T-5th) and takeaways, as well as 18th in scoring defense and 16th in turnover margin.
Henderson, the senior from New Orleans, La., is just the fourth Yellow Jacket to be named all-ACC three times, joining wide receiver Kelly Campbell (first team in 1999, 2001, second team in 2000), placekicker Luke Manget (first team in 2000 and 2001, second team in 2002) and safety Jeremy Muyres (second team in 2000 and 2001, first team in 2002).
Henderson leads Tech with six sacks despite missing four games due to injury. He is the Jackets’ career leader in tackles for loss with 59.5.
Wilkinson made the second team for the second straight year, while Daniels was a first-team selection in 2003.
Wilkinson, a senior from Oakland, Calif., is the top player on the Tech defense, leading the team in tackles for the second straight year with 79. He also has 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, an interception and two pass breakups.
Landry, a senior from Ama, La., earned all-ACC honors for the first time. He has four of Tech’s ACC-leading 19 interceptions, along with five pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and 68 tackles.
A senior from Houston, Texas, Daniels is second in the ACC in rushing averaging 82.1 yards per game with three touchdowns.
